1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Be Sanctified Through and Through
In our last few messages on 1 Thessalonians, Paul had been talking about events that would occur during the last days and Jesus’ return. In the meantime, the church had to continue to function as the body of Christ in the world. So, in his final instructions in this letter Paul writes about the kind of relationship they should have towards their leaders, towards each other, towards themselves, and towards God. The goal of these instructions is that each member of the church would be sanctified and made holy before God. After justification, when our sins have been forgiven by our Lord Jesus, we need to go through the spiritual process of sanctification. That is why the title of my message is:
Be Sanctified Through and Through
(Subtitle: Be Joyful, Prayerful, and Thankful)
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Key Verse: 23:
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Look at verses 12-13. “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” This passage includes Paul’s final instructions to the believers in Thessalonica. Among the first of his instruction include acknowledging their leaders in the church. Apparently, from Paul’s influence, leaders were raised up in the young church in Thessalonica. Actually, in the book of Acts, we find that it was Paul’s practice to appoint leaders in the various churches that he had pioneered. Acts 14:23 reads, “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” In Thessalonica, it was especially necessary because their pastor and founder of the church, Paul, along with his coworkers Silas and Timothy had been driven out of town due to severe persecutions. In order for a church, like any other organization—whether a company or government, needs to have good leadership in order to function well and effectively. Once, Bill Hybels, a former senior pastor at Willow Creek Church, said about leadership in the church, “The local church is the hope of the world and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders.” In our house church in Podil, God gave Maria and I wisdom to raise native leaders for the church. Maria and I appointed elders for our church in Podil but they were young—in their twenties. So, we did not call them elders but council members. [Pic 1] Thank God that here at WestLoop church we have good and responsible elders. Do you know who they are? Since the leaders in the Thessalonian church were young, perhaps it was difficult for some of the members to recognize them as the church leaders. Paul encouraged the members in the congregation not to just look at them on a human basis, but on their labor for the church.
In verses 12-13, Paul repeats the hardworking attitude of these leaders saying, “who work hard among you,” and “because of their work.” Those in leadership roles should not shy away from hard work. Work hard spiritually, mentally, and even physically if necessary. Last year when my son, Johnny, moved I was there to help him. Then when Noah moved to Chicago, I also helped him move. Rhoel does a lot of work with his hands also to help his family. Of course, leaders in the church must concentrate more on spiritual matters. The leaders chosen in the Thessalonian church had a dual role of caring for the church members and admonishing them, as well. They were not to use their leadership roles to burden or be overlords to the congregation. As church elders and pastors should follow the example of the Good Shepherd, Jesus himself. John 10:11 reads, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In the book of Ezekiel, God was angry at shepherds who took care of themselves because they were not fulfilling their roles as shepherds for God’s flock. Being a leader in the church is not easy because we have to give an account to God. They have to serve God, even if no else sees what they are doing. Hebrews 13:17 reads, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” We know that Jesus taught parables about the punishment that lazy or incompetent servants received. Leaders who think they have no account to anyone can abuse their leadership roles. But those who have the fear of God can be a good shepherd for God’s flock. Next Paul, gave instruction to all the members to have an account for each other’s spiritual well-being.
Look at verses 14-15. “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” In these verses, we learn that each member of the congregation has a responsibility also to maintain the spiritual health of the church. When Peter addressed the early believers in his letter, he taught that each of them had a special calling from God. First Peter 2:9a reads, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God…” As chosen and priestly people, they also had roles in the local church. First, they had to warn or admonish those who were idle and disruptive. I think most of us appreciate warning signs. For example, warning guard dog on duty or warning electrical fence. I have a GPS app on my phone I use while driving. It warns me about pot holes or traffic ahead. But my favorite warning is “police ahead” then I slow down. So, warning idle and disruptive people is good not only for the church, but for those people who are only harming themselves. Idle people can be those who do not work hard to find positive ways in helping the church. Rather, in their egoism find ways to cause disruption or trouble. Once, at a conference in Ukraine two young brothers in our church began to strongly argue with each other at lunch time, in front of some new attendees, who were not Christians. They argued in other times as well, like in group Bible study. They were not a good influence for new church members. So, council members like myself and Vlad had to give counsel to them and even gave them church discipline. After a year of prayer, counseling, and discipline the brothers finally could overcome their quarreling and now are good coworkers in the Lord and love each other. Second, they had to encourage the disheartened. Disheartened people may be church members who had gone through the loss of loved ones or going through personal problems at work or in their family. Fellow believers should listen to their problems, encourage them, and prayerfully share wise counseling with them. Third, help the weak. Now, these people may not necessarily be physically weak, but weak in their faith. They may have many doubts about Christianity or if the Bible is really true. God’s people should understand their point of view and why they think the way they do. Then with much prayer they can help them with proper interpretations of Scriptures and also share personal experiences of victories in trusting in the Lord. Fourth, be patient with everyone. Not everyone in the church grows in the spiritual rate. They each have their journey to God and we must patiently pray for them. One American pastor shared his life testimony in Ukraine. He had many doubts about the Bible and Christianity. So, for twenty years he studied other major religions in the world. He even traveled around the world to visit different religious sites. But after twenty years of researching, he concluded that Christianity is the true religion and the Bible is God’s word. Now, he has become a powerful preacher and apologist for the Christian faith. [Pic 2] Next, Paul encouraged the Thessalonian believers to have the right worship of God.
Look at verses 16-18. “Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” When believers practice and obey these three commands individually, then they can be a blessing to others in the body of Christ. How can we rejoice always? Should we go around with a plastic smile in our faces and fake laugh? It should be a genuine joy that comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Jesus himself promised that we will have complete joy. John 16:24 reads, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” We can rejoice seeing God’s sovereignty in the world and in our personal lives as well. For the most part, we are not in control of what happens in the world and in our own lives, but we decide on how to respond to various events. But when we prayerfully see events from God’s point of view and see how he is using them for his good purpose, we can rejoice. Paul rejoiced even while in jail saying that many in jail heard the gospel. Since it is God’s will to rejoice always, we can also ask God to give us a joyful spirit even in times of difficulties. Next, we should pray always. Does this mean we should pray 24 hours a day, even in our sleep? It means we should have a spirit of prayer always. When we hear sad news, we are always ready to pray for others. When we hear good news of God’s work, we also pray by praising God. We can pray while we are walking around for God’s guidance daily. On journeys, we can always pray for safe travels. Whatever situation we are in, we can always ask for God’s help. In 1962, America took prayer out of schools. Interestingly, after prayer was taken out of schools the education system in America began to slowly decline. Now America ranks among the lowest in math and science test scores among developed countries. But we know that as long as there are exams and tests, especially in the universities, students are still praying for good results. God gave us faithful coworkers in our prayer group for Ukraine. We have met every morning, except on Sundays, for the last three to end the terrible war in Ukraine. We don’t know when it will happen but we will pray continually to the end. We never give up because God commands us to pray continually. Amen.
Last of all, we ought to give thanks in all circumstances. I remember Rhoel’s message on this during Thanksgiving Worship Service at IIT. He told us we give thanks to God not for all circumstances, but being in all circumstances. Dr. Ben could give thanks to God even in his difficult situation because he could learn God’s discipline upon his life. He even read a verse from the Bible during his sentencing. Hebrews 12:11, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” He could also use his time to read many Christian books and reflect upon God’s grace and mercy upon his life. He also has been writing many beautiful poems. Here is a small sample of his writing:
What do I do with the darkness? How do I deal with its starkness? Guard my heart and my eyes; pray with tears and cries. Darkness in life will not last, but expect another when you fast. If you’re not prepared, you’ll be depressed. Darkness is the name of the game; it’s not for the tame and lame. You need a Strong Man to deliver you; without Him, you won’t have a clue.
Even on a human level, when we see joyful, prayerful, and thankful people we want to be around them. But we don’t want to be around miserable, caustic, and unthankful people. Such behaviors and improper attitude lead to the quenching of the Spirit.
Look at 19-22. “Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.” We can quench the Spirit when we do not obey the three commands above. We cannot be a blessing to others when we are only grumpy, not prayerful, and ungrateful towards God and others. In the Bible, the Spirit is described as fire many times. We cannot make regular fire on our own, but we need oxygen, some flammable material, and a spark. We must fan into flame the Holy Spirit within us and in fellow believers by our good example and zeal for the Lord. I remember when my family was called by God to be missionaries to Ukraine. I had a conviction in my soul by the Holy Spirit that we were to go there. But before going some people, both Christians and non-Christians, were telling me that how humanly difficult it would be to go there as missionaries. Even Maria’s father told us we were stupid if we go. In other words, directly or indirectly they were trying to quench the Spirit that was working in our lives. Of course, there were many servants of God who encouraged us and prayed for us to go. When we look back at our missionary lives, we praise God that we listened to the leading of the Holy Spirit, rather than men. Also, the Bible teaches that we grieve the Spirit when our behavior goes against God’s character and attributes. Ephesians 4:29-31 reads, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” People, even Christians, can hold contempt for prophecies, when they allow their human ideas contradict the teachings of God’s word. Prophecy is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. So, we should not stifle this gift given by God to his people. Rather, we must test them all. In other words, God’s word is the standard that all prophecies must be tested. It’s really been embarrassing for many Christians who had tried to predict when Jesus would return and it did not happen. But I don’t despise the prophecy that Jesus will come again. We just don’t know when. Some time ago one of our prayer coworkers said he had a dream from God that the war in Ukraine would end in three weeks. Of course, it did not happen. I don’t despise him for making a wrong prediction. But we must be very prayerful and careful when we are going to make a prediction, especially about God’s work in the future. Most importantly, in our daily Christian walk, we must hold on to what is good and reject every kind of evil that comes in our way. Instead of looking back we must continue onward in our spiritual growth. When we learn to live by the leading of the Holy Spirit, rather than the flesh, then we are walking in the way of sanctification.
Look at verses 23-24. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” Here is Paul’s prayer for the believers not only in Thessalonica, but all believers up to the present. Because all of Paul’s instructions and teachings in this letter and in all his letters for that matter, is helping God’s people to be sanctified in the Lord. To be sanctified is to be set apart for God. I like the analogy of a pastor David Gudzik, who described being sanctified like a wedding dress. [Pic 3] It is because a wedding dress is set apart for one special day in your life. A woman does not wear it for any other occasion. If you see a woman wearing a wedding dress while shopping at Costco you would call that woman weird because that is not where you wear your wedding dress. It’s only for a special ceremony before God, family, and friends, and of course, your husband. In the same way, God has called us to be special in his sight. We are not to live, behave or even talk like unbelieving people of the world. We have been set aside by God for a special purpose. And our sanctification does not end after we have read the whole Bible one time or haven’t missed one worship the whole year. God’s sanctification work in our lives is for the rest of our lives because God wants us to be more and more like his Son, Jesus. That is why Paul wrote to “sanctify through and through.” We are to be blameless before God in this world in spirit, soul, and body. Paul writes about the constitution of mankind or the trichotomy. In other words, we are not just bodies like animals. Animals can be trained to do some tricks and even dance. They can give us comfort like some service dogs have been trained to do. But they can never have spiritual communion with us to worship God. We are spiritual beings and we need to grow up spiritual through and through. It doesn’t mean we give up everything in the world and live in a commune. It means we grow more in the image of Jesus in our relationship with others, our serving the church, and in our relationship with our Father God. Some have said the soul controls our mind and emotions. Of course, we know that we all need to be sanctified in these areas because we are fed garbage from social media daily. Instead, we must set our minds on spiritual matters. Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” As in the analogy of the wedding dress, we are being sanctified because our bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ, will come soon to take his bridegroom, the church, to be with him in the kingdom of heaven forever and ever. Of course, we really want to be like a holy and pure bride before Jesus’ return, but it seems impossible for us. Actually, it is impossible for us, that is why Paul wrote, in verse 24, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” Only by the help of the Holy Spirit can we be sanctified through and through. God is like a chef who alone can make the most delicious and one of kind dish. No one else can make it. The ingredients that God uses is the Holy Spirit and the word of God. Hebrews 4:12 reads, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” It is the word of God, used by God like a chef’s knife to cut into our soul and spirit, joints and marrow (spirit, soul, body) to sanctify us and cut away our sinful ways. He alone can sanctify the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. When we read the Bible or listen to God’s word through messages or Bible study we must pray for the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and souls and reveal to us the things we must repent about. Through this spiritual practice God will help us to be sanctified before him through and through. Even the Apostle Paul, and his fellow workers, knew that they also needed to sanctified. So, he asked prayer from his brothers and sisters for them.
Look at verses 25-28. “25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Paul knew that he was not some kind of super apostle. His letters is full of replete of his personal testimonies of his weaknesses and even called himself “the chief sinner.” Because he knew he was weak he could be strong in Jesus. Because he knew he was weak he could ask his brothers and sisters for prayer support. Here, when he writes “with a holy kiss,” he was encouraging them to show their love and affection for one another. There are some churches around the world who have taken this literally and kiss each other on the lips, including men. But in our times, especially post Covid-pandemic, it’s not necessary. A firm handshake among brothers and warm hug among sisters should suffice. Interestingly, Paul starts his letter with God’s grace and ends his letter with God’s grace. We all need God’s grace everyday so that we can be sanctified through and through. Amen.
Admonish means to warn from harmful things. So, it is a good thing:
A—Acknowledge your leaders
D—Disheartened people
M—Motivate others
O—Onward in our spiritual growth
N—Never give up
I—Incompetent servants
S—Sanctify through and through
H—Help the weak
Let’s pray: Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Paul’s encouraging words to us today. Thank you that God himself will help us to be sanctified through and through, and to be set apart in this world. Help us to live like God’s people in the world by rejoicing, praying, and thanking God moment by moment. Thank you for blessing our worship service today. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Be Sanctified Through and Through
(Subtitle: Be Joyful, Prayerful, and Thankful)
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Key Verse: 12:
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
1.Read 1 Thess. 5:12-13. Besides being a spiritual person, what else does Paul consider as another quality of a leader should have? (Ge. 2:15) Why is important for important spiritually for a congregation to recognize or hold their leaders in high regard? What does it mean “over you in the Lord”? (Jn. 10:11) How does this attitude produce peace among the congregation?
2. Read 1 Thess. 5:14-15. According to verse 14, who else besides the pastor or leader in the church should encourage others? Besides just saying kind words, what other duties do Christians have towards their brethren? (warn, encourage, help, be patient) Why should we not hold grudges, but strive to always do good for others?
3. Read 1 Thess. 5:16-18. How can we rejoice always? How can we pray continually? How can we give thanks in all circumstances? How do these personal attributes help a believer to have good relationship with others?
4. Read 1 Thess. 5:19-22. What does it mean to quench the Spirit and how can believers do it? Why did some believers treat prophecy with contempt? (2 Thess. 2:2) How should we test them? (Ac. 17:11) Is rejecting every kind of evil possible for believers? (1 Cor. 10:13)
5. Read 1 Thess. 5:23-24. What is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians? How can we keep body, soul, and spirit blameless? (Heb. 4:12) Who can help us to live blamelessly in this sinful world? (Ge. 6:9)
6. Read 1 Thess. 5:25-28. How should the Thessalonian show their love for one another? What is a holy kiss? From verse 27, what do we learn about how the promulgation of the gospel was had? What must we always remember? (28) Why is this so important for us?
Final Instructions
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
